Canadian snowbirds are still flocking

Who are the Canadian “snowbirds”? Every winter, over half a million Canadians migrate south to escape the cold. With more affordable flights and vacation rentals available, more Canadians are joining the trend each year.

Here are a few characteristics of Canadian snowbirds to think about for your direct mail and travel promotions:

They’re physically active

A recent survey of 2,400 Canadian travel consumers showed that snowbirds are more interested than ever in golfing, playing tennis, going to the beach and other activities.

Their numbers are growing

The number of Canadian travelers to the USA increased by 3% between 2012 and 2013. To put it in perspective, that increase is greater than China and Brazil’s increase combined.

They love to travel to the U.S.

Even more than travelling in their own country, snowbirds love to travel to the U.S. In December 2014, Canadians made 5,245,000 trips to the U.S. compared to 2,111,000 trips within Canada.

They especially love Florida

Is it any surprise that Florida is Canada’s most popular destination for extended visits? The average Canadian stay in Florida is 21 days compared to 2.5 days in New York.

In general, these longer stays have experienced steady growth since 2002, and represent significant spending: Florida, in fact, comprises about one-fifth of all Canadian spending in the United States.

Did we mention they love Florida? 500,000 Canadians own a winter home in the sunshine state?

Canada’s largest mail and parcel delivery network can help.

California and Arizona are popular too

They’re the second and third most popular snowbird destinations. Canadians’ annual spending there is $1.5 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively.

Most Canadian visitors hail from Ontario

The majority (38.3%) of all reported scheduled air passenger traffic between Canada and the United States occurred in Ontario.

They still book in person

A recent Canadian study found that while 61% of retirees used the internet to research their trips and travel insurance, only 25% actually purchased online, the rest opting to go with travel agencies and brokers.

Good news: there’s no end in sight

While the rise and fall of the Canadian dollar has had the most impact on Canadian trips to the U.S., the snowbird trend has been protected from this, thanks in no small part to the age and lifestyle of its participants. Better still, both spending and long-term visits to the snowbird destinations are expected to grow over the next few years.

Canada Post can help!

Our data research and insights offers you detailed information about the Canadian consumer. Find out what Canadian tourists and online shoppers really want and how you can reach them. Discover how our B2C reach can help you. Learn more about the Canadian market opportunities!

Contact us to learn how Canada Post’s marketing and e-commerce solutions can boost your profits.

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